Roads Open, But Some Icy

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32019, 20 June 1969, Page 1

Roads Open, But Some Icy

All roads in Canterbury except the Gebbies Pass Road were open last evening, but it was still snowing heavily in Arthur's Pass and the Lewis Pass.

Motorists were advised by the Automobile Association (Canterbury) to avoid these roads. Chains were essential on both these routes. Many hill roads are still icy and extreme care was urged. The minimum temperature a|Harewood yesterday was 35 degrees, and the maximum about 56 degrees. The wind turned briefly to the east in Christchurch yesterdfcy afteiunnn, freshening again to the south-west at 5 Pto- u| bringing a heavy Snow g|MM9to : the ranges and on BatihrSngtesula were forecast forjeday by the meteorologtatl tofce at Harewood. South-west winds, with cold temperatures and occasional showers were expected. The outlook for tunwtrow was for showers, gradually clearing. The temperature at the Mount John observatory at Lake Tekapo at midday yesterday was near freezing point. The astronomer-in-charge (Mr F. M. Bateson) said there was snow on the western ranges, and some brief snow showers in the morning. Light snow fell at Mount Cook and the temperature was 37 degrees at 9 a.m. Conditions were warmer in the afternoon. It was fine in Timaru until about 2 p.m. when it began to rain. Temperatures, however, dropped only slightly. At midday it was 50 degrees. Severe thunder and light-

ning brought a heavy hailstorm to some North Canterbury areas from about 6 pm. yesterday. The storm was most intense north of the Ashley River to Amberley. On the back road between Ashley and Amberley, hail stones formed a carpet up to two inches thick and wipers were unable to sweep away hail on windscreens. About 20 residents in North Loburn and Balcaim were without electricity for varying periods. The North Canterbury Electric Power Board said the faults occurred at individual properties.